Perhaps the title is a bit of a hyperbole. If Jurgen Klinsmann has proven anything, it is that he refuses to take any game lightly. While I do expect him to rotate the squad a fair amount, I do anticipate that the likes of Landon Donovan and Jozy Altidore remain in the starting lineup. The USMNT have nothing to gain in the Hex at this point, having already locked up a first place finish, but the opponents from Panama are anything but satisfied with their current standing. Expect a raucous crowd and a quick start from the home side - probably not that unlike the way Costa Rica flew out of the gates in the US National team's last away match.
It is just such an atmosphere that Klinsmann should look to find the next American hero. Getting a result will do well for the squad's confidence heading into Brazil, but this is also the perfect time to take a chance. One thing is for certain, the United States will be without their midfield enforcer Jermaine Jones who did not travel to Panama due to a knee injury. This, I think, leaves a void in the midfield that Kyle Beckerman should fill. A midfield pairing of Beckerman, Kljestan, and Diskerud does not grab headlines, but each of the three have shown flashes of brilliance in the past.
Brad Guzan has been having yet another solid spell for Aston Villa, and should find himself between the pipes come Tuesday evening. It is a great problem to have - two world class goalkeepers on the same team - but a problem nonetheless. At this point, Howard has become the elder statesman and has a stranglehold of the starting job by rights, but that does not mean that Guzan is any less qualified. Howard would be keen to see Everton towards the top of the table come the end of the EPL season in May because a sag in form could see him riding pine in Brazil.
Lasly, I would be remiss if I didn't reinforce my stance on Terrance Boyd. The American soccer faithful has become so engrossed with Aron Johannsson as of late that they have all but overlooked Boyd. Still raw, Boyd is an athletic forward with nothing but upside. He may not get a starting nod, but be sure to keep an eye out for him when the team needs an injection of energy and pace.
Prediction:
The US probably don't have the same nightmarish start they did against Costa Rica, but they do have trouble keeping clean sheets on the road. The Panamanians will be pressing high from the first whistle and steal the opening goal in the first half buoying their World Cup hopes. The Americans answer by way of Jozy Altidore to start the second half, and find a winner from Terrance Boyd in the dying minutes of the match.
United States: 2
Panama: 1
No comments:
Post a Comment